June Month 2009

Friday, June 26th, 2009

DO YOU HAVE INSURANCE OR ASSURANCE

"What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us who can be against us?" -Romans 8:31

Perhaps you have had to compare insurance companies and been frustrated about the premiums. Hopefully you have not had the unfortunate situation of having to file an insurance claim only to find out that the insurance company is more interested in making excuses than paying the claim. You are not in good hands, they are not on your side and ultimately they are not always there.

However the God that we serve is so awesome that we can rely on His word and His promises. We are in much better shape as a result of the assurance of His Love rather than the insurance policy that we have paid for. The apostle Paul here reveals the Glory of God to the believers in Rome, encouraging them that all things work together for them that Love God. He then provides this statement of assurance that is translated like this.

As a result of these things I have told you about God, know that with God on our side, there is nothing and no one that can stand against us. Our confidence in making it in this journey is not about who we are but whose we are. If you are not sure about tomorrow, my question for you, is not are you insured? But, do you have the assurance of salvation in Jesus Christ.

Pastor SP Courtney

Friday, June 19th, 2009

A GODLY MAN MAKES A GREAT FATHER

"My son, if your heart is wise, my own heart will be glad. Vs 16-And my inmost being will rejoice. When your lips speak what is right. Vs 17 – Do not let your heart envy sinners, But live in the fear of the Lord always." -Proverbs 23:15-17

Happy Father’s day to all of the dad’s who are honored today as we pause to celebrate our fathers. It has been exactly 18 years since my father went home to be with the Lord; however he left me an inheritance that is worth more than all the silver and gold in the world, my faith in Jesus Christ.

The writer of Proverbs is teaching his sons about what makes a Godly man. My father demonstrated to me daily how a Godly man should walk. His heart was wise and his lips constantly spoke what was right. Even when things were not in his favor, he always chose right over wrong. When I think of the many mistakes that I made in my life, they can all be attributed to my failure to adhere to the instruction of my earthly and my heavenly father.

However on this father’s day, I can confidently say that as the writer of Proverbs suggested, I live in the fear of the Lord. The Lord is my strength and my salvation, I trust in Him. May God bless all the men, fathers, Grandfathers, uncles and other male guardians who committed themselves to be Godly men? I charge you to be like Joshua and declare, that as for you and your house, you will serve the Lord. If you can adapt this concept, then I know that as a Godly Man you are and will be a Great Father.

Pastor SP Courtney

Friday, June 12th, 2009

ARE YOU WILLING TO SERVE OTHERS

"And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you. Inasmuch as ye have done unto one of the least of these my brethren ye have done it unto me." -Matthew 25:40

Jesus in instructing the disciples about the future judgment, encouraged them about their treatment of others. Perhaps many believers today should heed the Masters call to service. In our current economic climate, there are many who are struggling without resources and basic necessities. Are you confined to complacency and complaining about your own circumstance? Or, can God count on you to be a willing servant to others?

Jesus said, that there will be those that are hungry and you must feed them, thirsty and you must give them drink, naked and you must clothe them. There will be strangers who are homeless and you must give them shelter, those who are sick you must visit them. What are you doing to serve those who are in need? Anyone can be kind to their family and to those that they love, but are you willing to be a witness for Christ by serving others. Christ says in Matthew chapter 25 verse 46 that the righteous, those who serve others will have life eternal.

Volunteering or surrendering your time, talent and resources for the benefit of others, is not just something you should consider but rather the responsibility of all believers. I encourage all believers to evaluate themselves and ask the question, "Are You Willing to Serve Others?"

Pastor SP Courtney

Friday, June 6th, 2009

GOD WILL ALWAYS BE THERE

"I will never leave thee, or forsake thee."-Hebrews 13:5

The writer of Hebrews provides encouragement to the young church concerning their religious and social duties. Advising that they were responsible to live their lives a certain way as men and women of faith. However the key to their encouragement was giving them something they could believe in. So Paul said, in verse 5, don’t talk about or desire the things of others but be content in what you have. We can be satisfied and trust in God, because he promised to always be with us.

In moments of frustration and fear, we must remember what Jesus told the disciples and what the Hebrew writer repeated, "I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. God is present in the bad times and the worst of times. He is the source of our strength and our salvation. No matter what we do and where we go, His promise is that he will always be there. Witness to someone dealing with loneliness and admonish them that God is always there!